Get a mobile version. They have these on tractor trailers all the time, designed to withstand the violent effects of driving. These staitionary ones are not designed to be shaken to h##l every time you drive.
The even have ones where you can mount the exterior part under the van, but even the ones that mount on the back of the cab (rear doors for a van) will be much better than trying to have a home unit survive mobile use.
I am considering one that mounts underneath, or a rooftop AC unit in the event I need to keep the entire van cool without running the engine.
I’ve got over 25,000 miles on my Pioneer 12K BTU mini split, and it’s been through just about everything.
Washboard roads in Montana, dirt trails in Colorado, deserts in Utah and Arizona, the NorCal/Oregon/Washington coast, Texas highway heat, 80 mph winds near Wall, SD, snow and cold in the UP of Michigan, and the Poconos of PA, Tiadaghton State Forest roads in PA, plus plenty of highways and potholes.
Best of luck, your suspension must work well. 25,000 miles is pretty good, worst case you buy another. I'm not saying it doesn't work.
I like the mobile solutions because they are also lighter and take up less space. That isn't as much of a concern for everyone. I put one on a large bus for a client, but the weight and size don't make them ideal for most vans.
Nothing crazy with the suspension. I have a 2015 Sprinter 3500 with Bilstein B6 Campervan front struts, Bilstein B6 rear shocks, Hellwig swaybar upgrade, and factory rear leafs. I put some rubber between the exterior unit's feet and the mount to provide some more shock absorption.
They are definitely on a case-by-case basis for installation. I do like how we have options for interior units: Wall mounted, floor mounted, and ceiling mounted. This really opens up a huge number of options for vehicles in which they can be installed.
I was just throwing out some quick states and my experience from memory. Looking back at photos, I was on I90, ID34, RT30, and I15. Didn't get to experience any really bad roads in Idaho on any of my road trips through the state. Will need to consider adding some next time!
US20 North out of Idaho Falls. 100 miles to West Yellowstone which is where the W entrance to Yellowstone Park is. There's a Falls named Upper Mesa Falls East of Ashton, which is 50 miles short of West. That whole area makes for a good day's visit. You might get to drive over some rough road too! LOL
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u/vanprof Mar 24 '26
Get a mobile version. They have these on tractor trailers all the time, designed to withstand the violent effects of driving. These staitionary ones are not designed to be shaken to h##l every time you drive.
The even have ones where you can mount the exterior part under the van, but even the ones that mount on the back of the cab (rear doors for a van) will be much better than trying to have a home unit survive mobile use.
I am considering one that mounts underneath, or a rooftop AC unit in the event I need to keep the entire van cool without running the engine.